The new Lokstadt: urban, versatile, steeped in history
Where locomotives were once built, a new, innovative and sustainable urban neighbourhood is being created. Lokstadt combines the 19th with the 21st century: The industrial heritage of this neighbourhood is being carefully combined with modernity.
With Lokstadt, Implenia is developing a new, urban and diverse neighbourhood with 750 flats for around 1500 people. Lokstadt is located south-east of Winterthur railway station. In the past, this area was home to the workshops of the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Factory (SLM) – the most important locomotive forge in Switzerland. The neighbouring Sulzer factory took over SLM in the 1960s.
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Some of the locomotives produced by SLM serve as namesakes for the various building plots. For example, the “Tender”: condominiums were realised here, which have been ready for occupancy since the beginning of 2023, as well as commercial space. The flats in the 17 “townhouses” were also for sale: these are four- to five-storey maisonette flats that have already been completed. In a second construction phase, six four-storey “townhouses” were built: these comprise a total of 24 flats and have been ready for occupancy since spring 2023. The “Elefant” office building, which is located directly on Zürcherstrasse, will also soon be ready for occupation.
The central dialogue square will be framed by three buildings in future. The first is the “Krokodil” in timber construction. Here, 254 flats have been created to fulfil the diverse housing needs of three cooperatives and individual homeowners. Vertical bands of windows are reminiscent of the former industrial halls and give the building a clear structure. BIGBOY” is located at the front of Dialogplatz: the building, which is over 50 metres high and has 16 floors, is home to 125 rental flats and five office and commercial spaces of between 55 and 370 square metres. The roof terrace offers a unique view over Lokstadt and the whole of Winterthur. The industrial past of the site is honoured by the brick façade. Bigboy will be ready for occupancy in summer 2023. The third building is still under development and is currently the tallest planned timber high-rise in the world: “Rocket”, developed and realised on behalf of Ina Invest, will be 100 metres high and, with 32 storeys, will become the landmark of the new district and the Winterthur skyline. There are plans for 255 flats. Charitable flats are also planned in the “Tigerli” plinth building. A hotel is also planned. The move-in date is planned for 2027.
Lokstadt stands for the sustainable use of resources, a carefully planned variety of uses and the innovative revitalisation of listed buildings. These include the former factory buildings. Under the leadership of Implenia, these are being transformed into experience spaces that reflect local history and modern city life. The neighbourhood is being developed step by step in accordance with the requirements of the 2000-watt society. Despite the dense construction, emphasis is placed on sufficient open spaces and a high quality of stay. The site will be developed with an underground car park for motorised traffic across all building plots. Above ground, pedestrians and cyclists have priority thanks to a generously designed pedestrian zone.
With Lokstadt, Winterthur connects the 19th century with the 21st century: Here, the city’s industrial history is brought together with Winterthur’s future as a residential, educational and service city. The neighbourhood is being built for people who love city life and care about sustainability. In future, a Lokstadt app will serve as a communication and interaction channel for all tenants, owners and employees.